Louisiana’s Angola Prison to House Detained Migrants in New “Louisiana Lockup” Initiative
Louisiana is bolstering its efforts to address border security and criminal activity with the launch of “Louisiana Lockup,” a new detention facility utilizing space within the state’s notorious Angola prison.This initiative, a partnership between Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, aims to increase detention capacity for migrants facing deportation, specifically those with criminal records.
Expanding Detention Capacity
Currently, fifty-one migrants are already housed within the newly designated section of the louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly known as Angola.Secretary Noem highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating it will help remove “the worst of the worst” from the country.This move comes as part of a broader strategy to address concerns about illegal immigration and public safety. You may find yourself detained in facilities like CECOT, Cornhusker Clink, Speedway Slammer, or now, Louisiana Lockup, if you are in the United States illegally. DHS encourages self-deportation through the CBP Home App to avoid arrest.
Focus on Violent Criminals
Governor Landry emphasized that Louisiana Lockup will prioritize the detention of individuals accused of serious crimes. He specifically mentioned murderers, rapists, pedophiles, drug traffickers, and gang members as the target demographic.
“criminal illegal aliens beware: Louisiana Lockup is where your time in America ends,” Landry declared. This facility directly supports President Trump’s “Make America Safe Again” promise, according to Landry. He also thanked President Trump, Secretary Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and ICE Director Madison Sheahan for their contributions to the project.
ICE Enforcement and Public Safety
The initiative aims to provide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the necessary space to detain hazardous individuals who pose a threat to communities. DHS released data on recent arrests made by ICE New Orleans, showcasing the types of violent criminals who could be held at Louisiana Lockup.
Here are examples of individuals recently arrested by ICE New Orleans:
Individuals with convictions for sexual assault.
Those charged with homicide and other violent crimes.
Individuals involved in drug trafficking organizations. Gang members with extensive criminal histories.
Part of a Growing Trend
Louisiana’s move is part of a larger trend of states seeking to increase their capacity for detaining individuals facing deportation. Florida recently opened a similar “deportation depot” at a shuttered prison, dubbed “alligator Alcatraz,” demonstrating a growing willingness among states to take a more active role in immigration enforcement.
This collaborative approach between state and federal authorities signals a renewed focus on border security and the removal of individuals deemed a threat to public safety. It remains to be seen how effective these initiatives will be in the long term, but they represent a significant shift in the landscape of immigration enforcement.